Something good is brewing in Chinatown. Can you feel it? Chinatown’s young creatives have teamed up with the Vancouver Chinatown Merchant’s Association to breathe new life into the Vancouver Chinatown Night Market. We don’t have to wait much longer to experience the revamp. The official Chinatown Night Market Grand Opening takes place this Saturday, June 1 from 6-11pm, on Keefer Street between Columbia and Main.

For those who grew up attending the Vancouver Chinatown Night Market, set in Canada’s largest Chinatown, many of usual food and trinket vendors are returning. The new vendors joining them are adding a mish-mash of eclectic and handmade wares including vintage clothing, stationary, crafts, artisan ice cream and soap.

To me, the most game-changing element to the revitalized Chinatown Night Market is the summer event schedule. You can read more about the full schedule of cultural events ranging from outdoor movies to storytelling in my post on the Vancouver Chinatown Night Market soft launch.

On June 1, the big event is the Chinatown Ping Pong Club. There will be tournaments, demonstrations and free play for all levels of experience.

Winner Winner. Photo credit: Vancouver Chinatown Night Market blog

The Vancouver Chinatown Night Market relaunch reflects the real estate changes within our historic Chinatown. While many North American Chinatowns fail to survive as families and businesses move to the suburbs, Vancouver’s Chinatown seems uniquely poised to integrate new players without losing its identity. Some are small start-ups selling their own dream business ideas that include pie, German sausage and vintage home furnishings. Others, like Bao Bei Brasserie, are Chinese with a modern twist. The result? Ideally, Chinatown gets the foot traffic necessary to help both the traditional and new shops survive.

The Vancouver Chinatown Night Market takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 6pm to 11pm through September 8, rain or shine. It’s located on Keefer Street between Main & Columbia.

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